Police confirm sexual assault report involves Randolph

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Police said Monday that Portland Trail
Blazers forward Zach Randolph is "involved" in a sexual assault
report taken last week but is not a suspect.

Sgt. Brian Schmautz, spokesman for the Portland Police Bureau,
said detectives are interviewing potential witnesses to the
incident.

"The Police Bureau will now confirm that on August 14, 2006, an
officer took a report of a sexual assault and that the report
involved Zach Randolph," Schmautz said in an e-mailed release.
"However, the Police Bureau is not identifying Zach Randolph as a
suspect in the criminal investigation."

Schmautz declined to be more specific about Randolph and the
report because of the investigation. The bureau would not let
reporters read the police report.

Schmautz said the results of the investigation would be
forwarded to the Multnomah County district attorney's office to
present to a grand jury to decide whether any charges should be
filed.

Randolph hired Portland attorney Stephen Houze to represent him,
Houze's office confirmed Monday. Houze has represented a number of
high-profile clients in Oregon, including his successful defense of
former Blazers guard Damon Stoudamire on marijuana charges.

Team officials released a statement saying they could not
comment because the matter is under investigation. "Once we have
all the facts, we will act accordingly," it said.

A message was left seeking comment from Randolph's agent,
Raymond Brothers.

Randolph led the Blazers in scoring and rebounding last season,
with 18 points and eight rebounds per game, as the team finished
with the worst record in the NBA at 21-61 -- missing the playoffs
for a third straight year.